There are outdoor music venues. And then there are experiences. The Beak & Skiff Summer Concert Series at Apple Hill in Lafayette falls firmly in the second category — and it has become one of the most talked-about live music destinations in the entire northeast.
The setting does a lot of the work. The orchard hillside in Lafayette, with its rolling views and open sky, makes for a genuinely stunning backdrop for a summer evening. But the lineup is what really turns heads. In recent seasons, Beak & Skiff has hosted The Avett Brothers, Primus, Father John Misty with Lucinda Williams, Gary Clark Jr., Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Iron & Wine, and Gregory Alan Isakov — a range that spans indie rock, country, folk, jam bands, and everything in between. These are not local acts filling a field. This is serious talent, in an intimate setting that gives the whole experience a warmth that bigger venues simply can’t replicate.
What to Expect on the Day
The campus opens for parking in the afternoon before each show — typically around 3pm, though times vary by event. The 1911 Tasting Room, the orchard café, and the general store all operate during concerts. So you can arrive early, explore the campus, grab a cider flight or a cocktail, eat something from the kitchen, and settle in well before the music starts. It makes for a full evening rather than just a show.
The venue is outdoors and all shows run rain or shine. It’s smoke-free on campus, and no outside food or beverages are permitted. Parking is free and on-site. Furthermore, the whole operation is well-run — clean facilities, friendly staff, EMTs on site, and clear signage throughout.
Tickets sell through Tixr and move quickly — particularly for the bigger names. Check beakandskiff.com early in the season to see the lineup and book ahead. Find them at 2708 Lords Hill Road, Lafayette, NY 13084 — about 25 minutes from Skaneateles.